MBMA partnered with UL Environment (ULE) to develop and certify these EPDs, which summarize the cradle-to-gate environmental impacts of a metal building system. The cradle-to-gate method is used to describe the impact of producing products, from raw material extraction, through processing, fabrication and up to the finished product leaving the manufacturing facility.

EPDs provide specifiers, builders and other industry professionals with transparent third-party documentation of the environmental impacts of products, including global warming potential, ozone depletion, acidification and other factors. The LEED V4 green building rating system encourages the use of EPDs, which are important for earning credits in the program.

MBMA has been studying the sustainable attributes of metal buildings for several years, starting with the collection of the industry’s LCI data, and using it to perform whole-building LCA analysis to compare its products to other forms of construction. Through these studies, MBMA has shown that the structural efficiency of metal building systems is a key contributor to their sustainable performance when compared to conventional construction.

“There is a growing need to simplify and harmonize the decision-making processes for architects and specifiers that must choose building materials for construction,” says Dan Walker, associate general manager of MBMA. “MBMA members are dedicated to educating others about the sustainable performance of metal building systems, and these EPDs will effectively do that for the design community.”

Metal building systems are custom-engineered and fabricated in accordance with strict quality assurance standards, and with almost no scrap generated. Designers are beginning to realize that the structural efficiency of this approach brings tangible benefits, from a sustainability and cost-savings perspective. The completion of these EPDs gives designers the confidence that they are making a wise choice from financial and environmental aspects.

Dow Building Solutions (DBS), a business unit of The Dow Chemical Co., announced STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene foam insulation products in North America have received validation from UL Environment that they contain 20 percent pre-consumer recycled content on average. This verification marks the latest sustainability milestone for Dow insulation products, which also hold Cradle-to-Cradle certification.

“UL Environment is proud to have worked with Dow Building Solutions to validate the recycled content claims for its STYROFOAM Insulation Products,” says Lisa Meier, vice president and general manager of UL Environment. “Dow’s pursuit of third-party substantiation demonstrates its commitment to scientifically backed, credible communication about this sustainability attribute.”

For more than 70 years, DBS has been recognized in the building industry, delivering energy-efficient solutions that conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including Dow’s flagship STYROFOAM brand. The UL Environment validation underscores the company’s drive to constantly improve, innovate and perfect building envelope science to deliver more sustainable, safer solutions and ultimately help advance a more sustainable planet and society as part of Dow’s 2025 Sustainability Goals.

“This certification is just one more example of DBS’ ongoing commitment to deliver solutions that meet and exceed market demands today and in the future,” says Matthew Marchel, business director, Dow Building Solutions. “This UL Environment validation is one more step in our sustainability journey, one that is deep-rooted, spans decades and is based on our legacy of innovation, leadership and action.”

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January/February 2019

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